Some MPs yet to sign waivers

WELLINGTON: National claims ‘‘two or three’’ MPs are yet to sign privacy waivers to allow investigators to look at their work computers and cellphones in search of a potential leaker.

But it is expecting all MPs to have signed the waiver this morning when they arrive at Parliament for caucus.

National leader Simon Bridges has delegated deputy leader Paula Bennett and shadow leader of the House Gerry Brownlee to oversee the investigation.

‘‘There are a number — it’s only like two or three maybe — that haven’t signed because they are overseas,’’ Mr Brownlee said.

‘‘But they’ve said they are quite happy to sign and they’ll be back in time for caucus tomorrow.’’

Asked who the MPs were, he said it was an internal investigation now, not a public investigation.

‘‘So I’m not giving out any more information [other] than everyone has agreed to the proposal.’’

Today will be the first time the caucus has met since Speaker Trevor Mallard overturned his decision to hold an inquiry into who might have leaked National’s travel expenses.

It was called off because of the Speaker’s concerns about the mental health of an individual who claimed to have leaked the material.

Police know who the leaker is but are refusing to say.

Mr Brownlee is not giving any guarantee the result of the inquiry will be made public and hinted that if the culprit is identified and has genuine mental health issues that it might not be.

‘‘That will entirely depend on the circumstances,’’ he said.

The investigation will look at traffic from National MP and staffers’ computers.

Mr Mallard has also made computers of relevant Parliamentary Service staff who handled the documents available to the inquiry.

The inquiry is being conducted by PwC, which will be assisted on issues of privacy by law firm Simpson Grierson on privacy issues. — NZME